Conklin said three tactical SWAT teams helped during the raids because some of the suspects had histories of gun crimes or were believed to have been involved in shootings.

Conklin said 10 men from Stamford and Bridgeport were arrested with the help of the State Police SWAT Team, Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team and Stamford police Special Response Team.

“A number of vehicles were seized along with large quantities of narcotics and cash as well as firearms,” Conklin said.

Conklin said the federal Drug Enforcement Agency began the operation, dubbed “Checkmate,” several months ago. Conklin said three Stamford men were charged in July as part of the investigation.

Conklin said the operation got its name because some of the suspects said they were “playing chess, not checkers.”

“We took that to mean that they were involved in a strategic, large-scale drug selling conspiracy,” Conklin said.

The following men were arrested Thursday:

Michael Peters, 34, of Spruce Street, Stamford, was charged with possession of narcotics and possession of narcotics with intent to sell. He is being held in lieu of a $50,000 court appearance bond.

Norman Peters, 32, of Spruce Street, Stamford, was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, criminal possession of ammunition and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was held on a $75,000 court bond.

Damani Donaldson, 42, of Harbor Point Road, Stamford, was charged with three counts each of possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, and conspiracy at possession of narcotics with intent to sell and was held on a $50,000 court bond.

Sean McLean, 36, of Culloden Road, Stamford, was charged with two counts each of conspiracy to possess narcotics, and conspiracy to possess narcotics with intent to sell, possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to sell.

Rodney Williamson Jr., of Ursula Place, Stamford, was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to sell and conspiracy at possession of marijuana with intent to sell. He was held on a $5,000 court bond.

Andre “AJ” Nelson, 28, of Tresser Boulevard, was charged with three counts each of possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to sell and conspiracy at possession of marijuana with intent to sell. He was held on a $50,000 court bond.

Thomas Milord, 30, of Olive Street, Bridgeport, was charged with possession of marijuana, and possession of marijuana with intent to sell. He was held on a $10,000 court bond.

Trevor Thompson, 28, of Olive Street, Bridgeport, was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to sell and conspiracy at possession of marijuana with intent to sell. He was held in lieu of a $50,000 court bond.

Tory Hinton, 34, of Fairfield Avenue, Stamford, was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to sell and conspiracy at possession of marijuana with intent to sell. He was held on a $2,500 court bond.

Torrick Johnson, 37, of Southwood Drive, Stamford, was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to sell and conspiracy at possession of marijuana with intent to sell. He was held on a $5,000 court bond.